Sicilian Alapin: 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 Nc6
Sicilian Defence – Alapin Variation, 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 Nc6
Definition
The line arises from the move-sequence 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 Nc6. It is a branch of the Alapin (or c3–Sicilian), an anti-Sicilian system in which White avoids the Open Sicilian (2.Nf3 followed by 3.d4) by playing 2.c3 with the idea of building a strong pawn center with d4. After 2...Nf6 Black immediately challenges the e-pawn rather than the more classical 2...d5. White’s push 3.e5 chases the knight but concedes the d5-square, and 4.Nf3 Nc6 produces the “main tabiya” of this sub-variation.
Typical Move Order & Basic Position
The first four moves establish the critical features:
- White pawns: e5 and c3 (d4 is still possible)
- Black knights: d5 and c6 exert pressure on e5 and control d4
- The center is closed for the moment, so piece development and pawn breaks (…d6, …d5 for Black; d4 for White) become the main themes.
Strategic Themes
- For White
- Break with d4 at the right moment to open the center.
- Maintain the advanced pawn on e5 to cramp Black’s kingside.
- Development plan: Bc4, 0-0, Re1; sometimes a3, b4 to gain queenside space.
- For Black
- Undermine e5 via …d6 or …f6, forcing its exchange and freeing pieces.
- Central counterplay with …d5 is thematic once the c-pawn has already moved.
- Piece activity: the knight on d5 is excellently placed; bishops often aim at e5 (…g6, …Bg7 or …e6, …Be7).
Typical Continuations
- 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.Bc4 e6 8.0-0 Be7 – A classical set-up where the pawn structure soon resembles a French/Advance hybrid.
- 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 d6 7.exd6 Qxd6 – White releases the tension; Black gains rapid piece play.
- 5.Na3 d6 6.exd6 e6 7.d4 cxd4 8.Nb5 – A sharper approach trying to exploit the loose knight on d5.
Historical & Modern Significance
• The Alapin was popularized in the late 19th century by Semyon Alapin, who sought a positional way to meet the Sicilian. • The immediate 2...Nf6 response gained traction in the 1980s–1990s when players such as John Nunn and Alexander Khalifman showed that Black could obtain dynamic counterplay. • At elite level the variation remains a surprise weapon; Fabiano Caruana, Magnus Carlsen, and Sergey Karjakin have all employed it from the Black side.
Model Game
Caruana – Karjakin, Norway Chess 2017 (rapid) [[Pgn| e4|c5|c3|Nf6|e5|Nd5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|cxd4|cxd4|d6|Bc4|Nb6|Bb5|d5|exd6|Qxd6|0-0|Bg4|Nc3|e6|Re1|Be7|h3|Bh5|d5|Nxd5|Nxd5|exd5|g4|Bg6|Bg5|f6|Be3|h5|Nd4|hxg4|Nxc6|bxc6|Bf4|Qxf4|Qe2|Be4|Bxg4|Bd6|f3|Qg3+|Qg2|Qxg2+|Kxg2|Bg6|Re6+|Kd7|Rxd6+|Kxd6|Qe3| ]]
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the knights dance to d5 and c6 in just four moves, Russian trainers sometimes call this set-up the “Double-Jump Alapin.”
- In correspondence chess the line is considered theoretically sound for Black; engines show near-equality despite White’s spatial edge.
- Some early manuals misprinted the move order as 4.Nf3 d6 instead of 4…Nc6, prompting confusion that lasted for decades in club circles.
Practical Tips
- Do not rush the d4 break as White; complete development first to meet …cxd4 with recapture by a piece rather than the queen.
- Black players should know the tactics after 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 to avoid pitfalls like 6…e6? 7.Bc4! and the e6-pawn becomes a target.
- Endgames tend to favor Black slightly because the e5-pawn can become weak once minor pieces are exchanged.